Connecting Theory and Research

Connecting Theory and Research

Discussion 2: Connecting Theory and Research
In the early 1970s, the technological landscape looked much different than it does now. Cable
television was a recent innovation, and one computer could fill a large room. The Internet was in
its infancy. Fast forward to the early 21st century, where it can be difficult to keep up with
technological advances, and the Internet dominates many aspects of life. Yet, many of the health
behavior theories discussed in this course had already been developed well before the 1990s;
very little has changed foundationally. This makes it of paramount importance to be well versed
in the seminal theories and to understand how to apply them when conducting research and
building interventions now and in the future.
For this Discussion, select a theory that interests you and that you might use to conduct research
in the future. Consider your future interests with regard to your dissertation or your current or future role in public health.
With these thoughts in mind:
Post a brief description of a community health education theory that you might utilize in
conducting further research and explain why it interests you. Then, explain two ways information
from this course might be applied to your dissertation research or your future role as a scholarpractitioner in public health. Be specific, and use examples to illustrate your points.
Be sure to support your postings and responses to your colleagues’ postings with specific
references to the Learning Resources and the current literature.
References
Glanz, K., Rimer, B. K., & Viswanath, K. (Eds.). (2015). Health behavior: Theory, research, and
practice (5th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
• Chapter 10, “Social Support and Health”
• Chapter 18, “Introduction to Using Theory in Research and Practice”
Glasgow, R. E., & Emmons, K. M. (2007). How can we increase translation of research into
practice? Types of evidence needed. Annual Review of Public Health, 28, 413–433.
Annual Review of Public Health Volume 28 by Glasgow, R.E., & Emmons, K.M. Copyright 2007
by ANNUAL REVIEWS, INC. Reprinted by permission of ANNUAL REVIEWS, INC. via the Copyright Clearance Center.
Galvan, F., Davis, E., Banks, D., & Bing, E. (2008). HIV stigma and social support among African
Americans. AIDS Patient Care and STDs, 22(5), 423–436.
Takahashi, Y., Uchida, C., Miyaki, K., Sakai, M., Shimbo, T., & Nakayama, T. (2009). Potential
benefits and harms of a peer support social network service on the internet for people with
depressive tendencies: Qualitative content analysis and social network analysis. Journal of
Medical Internet Research, 11(3), e29.
New York State Department of Health. (1999). Wayne County 1999–2004 community health
assessment. Retrieved from http://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/chac/docs/waynecha.pdf